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Chesapeake council honors Career and Technical Education as Smith Tech launches
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Summary
Council presented a proclamation recognizing Career and Technical Education. School leaders reported Smith Tech opened at Oscar Smith Middle School with 200 students in grades 6–7, partnerships with Old Dominion University, new electives and upcoming career events for students.
Chesapeake City Council presented a proclamation recognizing Career and Technical Education and heard updates from school-system leaders about recent CTE expansions.
Dr. Joppa (school system leader) accepted the proclamation on behalf of the district and described program growth: Smith Tech opened at Oscar Smith Middle School this year as a school of computer science, innovation and design, enrolling 200 students in grades six and seven with plans to add an eighth grade next year and a reported wait list. Dr. Joppa noted a partnership with Old Dominion University and a new middle-school music production elective. "Smith Tech opened at Oscar Smith Middle School this year...we opened this year with 200 students enrolled in grades 6 and 7," the district representative said.
Officials described other CTE activities: a Future Pathways event scheduled for April 30 at the Chesapeake Conference Center (10 a.m.–1 p.m.) expected to serve more than 500 students; a Signing Day in May with roughly 70 students and 30 employers participating last year; and paid internship opportunities through a Grow Our Own program offering 40 hours of paid work for students.
Council members thanked educators and highlighted connections between CTE programs and local economic development. The proclamation underscores city support for expanding career pathways and work-based learning for Chesapeake students.
